Lake Bell’s Bold Style Evolution: From Boston Legal to Black Panther and Red Carpet Risk-Taker

From daring cut-outs to statement heels, Lake Bell is one of Hollywood’s most quietly confident red carpet risk-takers. Whether she’s attending an Oscar party or promoting her latest voice work, the multi-hyphenate actress brings an effortlessly bold fashion sensibility to every appearance.

We’re taking a closer look at her most striking style moments—starting with the sleekest gowns, edgiest shoes, and standout silhouettes that prove Lake Bell deserves more fashion-world credit.

Black Cutout Dress: Bold Start at Women in Film Party

In March 2022, Lake Bell turned heads at the 15th Annual Women In Film Pre-Oscars Party, held at the Thompson Hollywood Hotel, honoring the 60 women nominated for Academy Awards that year.

Known for her breakout role in the cult comedy series Childrens Hospital, the actress embraced bold red carpet fashion in a sleek black midi dress featuring a high side slit and a daring cut-out detail on the hip—balancing edge with elegance. She completed the look with open-toe black heels that showcased her minimalist pedicure, silver statement rings, and soft, loose waves that added a relaxed finish to her striking ensemble.

Lake Bell stuns in a black cut-out midi dress and strappy black heels at the 15th Annual Women in Film Oscar Party in Los Angeles on March 25, 2022 (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images / INSTARimages)

Alberta Ferretti Glamour at Black Panther Premiere

On the purple carpet at the Los Angeles premiere of Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever, Lake Bell, who dubbed Black Widow in the Marvel and Disney+ animated series “What If…?”, made a surprise appearance, wearing Alberta Ferretti. She appears as Dr. Graham in the movie.

Lake Bell wears a dramatic Alberta Ferretti gown and pointy heels at the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” premiere in Los Angeles on October 27, 2022 (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Siriano Slit Gown: Elegance at Women in Film Honors

The actress also looked stunning in a Christian Siriano gown as she posed for photos on the red carpet at the 2022 Women in Film Honors: Forging Forward Gala, which was sponsored by Max Mara, ShivHans Pictures, Lexus, and STARZ.

Sleek and seductive, the dress hugged her curves as a deep slit by her left leg revealed her seemingly bottomless gams. She carried a small black clutch and wore several bangles and long earrings to complete her look.

Lake Bell exudes elegance in a thigh-high slit Christian Siriano gown paired with black heels at the 2022 Women in Film Honors Gala in Beverly Hills on October 27, 2022 (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

City Chic: Yellow Coat Moment on Today Show

In November 2022, Lake Bell wore a lemon yellow coat while promoting her newest audiobook on NBC’s “Today” show.

The “What Happens in Vegas” actress paired it with a white blouse featuring an intricate collar. Bell wore all black from her Capri trousers to her polished black boots and understated black handbag.

Lake Bell mixes bold and classic in a lemon yellow coat, black ankle boots, and tailored trousers outside the “Today” show studios in NYC on November 2, 2022 (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Lake Bell is a busy woman. She’s an actor, screenwriter, and director who has been in the business for over 20 years. Bell is also a mother to two children.

The star stabilizes her career and life by fitting in time for herself and her family—and we’re proud of the way Lake Bell has balanced being a hands-on mom and a successful actress in Hollywood!

Lake Bell arriving with her son, Ozgood Campbell, at the premiere of Cinderella held at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, California on August 30, 2021 (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)

Lake Bell’s Career Highlights: Actress, Director, and Voice Talent

Lake Bell briefly appeared as Dr. Graham in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). But you may remember her from Boston Legal (2004 to 2008), What Happens in Vegas (2008), and her leading role in Childrens Hospital (2010 to 2016).

The actress has been in Hollywood for decades and has expanded her repertoire to include titles like screenwriter, editor, author, and producer.

Lake Bell attending the Women in Film’s Annual Award Ceremony cocktail reception in Los Angeles, California on October 7, 2021 (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

A Passion for Performance: From Stage to Screen

After working in numerous theater productions, Bell received her first acting opportunity in a two-episode arc on ER (1994-2009). She quickly transitioned to acting in multiple supporting roles in television and film.

Lake Bell soon got her big break as a cast regular in Boston Legal, following a memorable performance in The Practice (1997-2004).

From there, she became a lead in Childrens Hospital, a dark comedy that aired for seven seasons.

Erinn Hayes as Dr. Lola Spratt, Rob Huebel as Dr. Owen Maestro, and Lake Bell as Dr. Cat Black in the dark comedy television series and web series Childrens Hospital (Credit: Warner Bros. Television Distribution)

While building her successful career as an actress in some of Hollywood’s biggest productions, Bell has honed her skills in filmmaking.

She made her directorial debut in 2013 in a self-written project entitled Worst Enemy (2010). The film earned critical praise at the Sundance Film Festival.

Lake Bell has continued to direct several television shows, including two episodes of the Emmy-nominated miniseries Pam & Tommy (2022).

Diverse Talents Behind and In Front of the Camera

The popular actress has appeared in several successful movies and has earned money through many of these acting credits. As of 2025, Bell’s talents have seen her amass a $4 million fortune from her work in Hollywood.

Lake Bell as Agness Adler in the 2009 romantic comedy film It’s Complicated (Credit: Universal Pictures)

Beyond Acting: Lake Bell’s Creative Pursuits

She expanded her impressive artistic portfolio to include an audiobook about voices. Bell detailed her love affair with voices in the audiobook entitled Inside Voice.

Lake Bell told The Georgia Straight, “I did accents and funny voices for the family when I was growing up. I’m passionate about the sexy-baby vocal virus affecting a generation of women. The two things that hit you when you meet someone are, first, how they’re visually put together and then, what they tell you with the tone of their voice – whether or not they’re to be taken seriously.”

Bell has also voiced several notable characters in animation projects. She lent her voice to Black Widow in Marvel’s What If…? and Poison Ivy in DC’s Harley Quinn.

Lake Bell at the 13th Annual Women in Film Female Oscar Nominees Party in Los Angeles, California on February 7, 2020 (Credit: Faye Sadou / Media Punch / INSTARimages)

Building a Multifaceted Career in Hollywood

Lake Bell, born in New York City on March 24, 1979, is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. The Home Again actress came from a well-to-do family.

She is the daughter of Robin Bell, who owns a design firm, and Harvey Siegel, a real estate developer known for buying and reopening the Virginia International Raceway and owning the New Jersey Motorsports Park. Despite her father being Jewish and her mother being Protestant, Lake’s mother was born to Jewish parents, contributing to Lake’s Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.

Lake Bell at the 21st Annual Warner Bros. and InStyle Golden Globe After Party in Los Angeles, California on January 5, 2020 (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)

She attended schools on the Upper East Side, Connecticut. Bell graduated from the Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama in London, England, in 2002after abandoning her original career course to pursue her love of acting.

Rebel With a Cause: Lake Bell’s Unique Expressions

Unrelated to Kristen Bell, the multi-hyphenate star has always been a rebel and has carved out her way in the world from a young age.

Lake Bell attended a school in Connecticut for her high school education, and would tattoo and pierce her fellow students who attended her “preppy boarding school.” She did her first tattoo on herself, a tiny dot on her right ankle, when she was only 14.

Lake Bell arriving at the 2019 Women in Film Gala at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, California on June 11, 2019 (Credit: Famous / Ace Pictures / INSTARimages)

Bell followed this rebellious trend in her career in showbiz when she appeared on the cover of New York Magazine for their August 2013 Fall Fashion edition.

The actress caused quite a stir when she appeared on the cover entirely nude and covered in fake tattoos.

Signature Style: Heels, Shoe Size & Height

Lake Bell claims she is “about 5’8 barefoot… but I’m 6’7 in ten inch stilts,” as she wrote on her Twitter account in June of 2010.

Her real height is believed to be around 5ft 7 ½ (171.5 cm), which makes her taller than the average American woman.

Lake Bell, who wears a US shoe size 10, would have her shoe size converted to UK size 8, EU size 41, and 26.5 cm in other shoe sizing systems.

Lake Bell wearing a tight-fitting black dress and pointy-toe pumps at the Women in Film’s Annual Award Ceremony in Los Angeles, California, on October 7, 2021 (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Personal Life: Family, Relationships, and Motherhood

Lake Bell briefly dated actor and comedian Chris Rock in 2022. The two were spotted together on several occasions that summer, but their relationship reportedly lasted only a few weeks.

Bell was previously married to Scott Campbell, an artist and tattooist. They met when Campbell played himself in one episode of How to Make It in America in season two.

Scott Campbell and Lake Bell in the P.S. Arts Express Yourself Event in Los Angeles, California, on September 28, 2019 (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)

The pair started dating in 2011 and married after a one-year engagement in 2013. They announced their separation in October 2020, and Bell filed for divorce shortly after. Lake Bell and Scott Campbell share two children: a daughter named Nova and a son named Ozgood.

Before dating Scott Campbell, Lake Bell was linked to actor Colin Farrell while they filmed Pride and Glory (2008). The pair reportedly dated from 2006 until December of that year.

Lake Bell as Megan Egan and Colin Farrell as Jimmy Egan in the 2008 crime drama film Pride and Glory (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

Silver Sandals & Gold Accessories: Mr. Peabody Premiere

In March 2014, Lake Bell showed off her feet at the premiere of the 3D computer-animated movie Mr. Peabody & Sherman at the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood, California. She voices Mona Lisa in the film.

Lake Bell stands out at the premiere of ‘Mr. Peabody & Sherman’ in a chic black jumpsuit by Stella McCartney, featuring a one-shoulder design with a nude sheer panel, accessorized with a gold necklace and a clutch with gold trim, at the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood, California (Credit: FayesVision / Nikki Nelson / WENN)

For the occasion, Lake Bell was dressed classily in a black Stella McCartney jumpsuit. While it appears to be a one-shoulder suit, it features a nude sheer panel on the left shoulder.

She styled it with a gold necklace and carried a clutch featuring gold trim. A ponytail with fringe kept in front and barely there makeup were the finishing touches to her effortlessly chic look.

Holding a clutch with gold trim, Lake Bell attends the premiere of Mr. Peabody & Sherman at the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood, California, on March 5, 2014, showcasing her elegant taste in accessories (Credit: FayesVision / Nikki Nelson / WENN)

Notice something off in her ensemble? Well, yes, it’s her silver sandals by Stella McCartney.

A close-up of Lake Bell’s feet adorned in metallic silver Stella McCartney sandals, highlighting an unexpected yet fashionable choice that contrasts with her gold-themed accessories (Credit: FayesVision / Nikki Nelson / WENN)

Golden heels could have worked perfectly with her suit and accessories, but she chose a metallic silver pair instead.

Another angle showing Lake Bell’s choice of silver metallic Stella McCartney sandals with cutout vamps and sides, complemented by adjustable ankle straps, for the movie premiere (Credit: FayesVision / Nikki Nelson / WENN)

These Stella McCartney sandals feature cutout vamps and sides, adjustable ankle straps, cushioned insoles, and synthetic soles.

Lake Bell’s feet are showcased in silver metallic Stella McCartney sandals featuring 4 1/4 inch hollowed-out heels with a metallic front, offering an avant-garde touch to her outfit (Credit: FayesVision / Nikki Nelson / WENN)

What makes them exceptional and avant-garde are the 4 1/4 inch hollowed-out heels with metallic fronts.

Stella McCartney Wooden-Heel Cutout Sandals, $910

A silver version with only about half an inch heels is also available:

Stella McCartney “Lily” Sandals, $825